BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday claimed that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her father destroyed democracy in the country by imposing one-party and authoritarian rule, depriving citizens of their fundamental rights.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a milad and doa mahfil organised by Pohorchada union unit of BNP at Pohorchada Marriage Garden Community Centre at Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar district.

The programme was held to seek eternal peace for the soul of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Salahuddin Ahmed alleged that Sheikh Hasina abolished the caretaker government system from the constitution and ruled the country through an autocratic system for 15 to 16 years.
He claimed that the fall of Sheikh Hasina came through a mass uprising of students and mass people against the fascist rule.
He further said that Sheikh Hasina is now taking shelter in Delhi, alleging that her government served Indian interests and failed to recognise Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign entity.
He claimed that although Awami League spoke of democracy, it deprived people of their democratic and political rights.

Salahuddin Ahmed also accused Awami League of repressing religious groups, persecuting Islamic scholars and acting in a manner hostile to Islam.
He alleged that the party carried out killings at Shapla Chattar under the cover of darkness, including the deaths of madrasa students.

According to him, Awami League ultimately stood against the country’s people and, as a result, was ousted from power.
He said the public has already expressed its desire to build a strong and democratic Bangladesh in the future.

The programme was presided over by Maulana Farid Ahmad Azizi, imam of Pohorchada Central Jame Mosque.
Chakaria upazila BNP President Enamul Haque, General Secretary M Mobarak Ali and other senior BNP leaders also addressed the gathering.